Mitsubishi has supplied us with a rendering of a new global small-car concept (the official, convoluted name is Mitsubishi Concept Global Small) that will replace the Colt. The real thing will be unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March. The “global” part of the name apparently includes us.

The cute five-passenger, five-door hatchback reminds us a bit of the Ford Fiesta with which it will attempt to do battle; Mitsubishi says it’s been designed for aerodynamic—and thus fuel— efficiency. The brand’s trademark trapezoidal lower grille opening is present in front; the sleek side mirrors and flush door handles likely won’t make production.

Under the hood, the plan calls for engines displacing between 1.0 and 1.2 liters, coupled to a new continuously variable transmission. Lightweight construction, low rolling-resistance tires, and an engine stop-start system should contribute to respectable fuel economy. Mitsubishi predicts carbon dioxide emissions of less than 90 grams per mile.

A production version of the Concept Global Small is slated to be built in Thailand from March 2012. Mitsubishi tells us the car will go on sale in the U.S. as well as Europe and Asia; an official date hasn’t been decided, but expect it here around 2013.